Clarence River, 28 December 2013 - 1 January 2014

A classic 5-day journey on the Clarence River, pack-rafting from the Acheron confluence (near Hanmer Springs) to the east coast north of Kaikoura. A challenging trip with a real sense of remoteness, in a wonderful region of the country.
Day 1: After completing the car shuttle, we paddled down the first gorge to a campsite on the true right of the river, at the confluence of Tinline Creek. We portaged our boats around The Chute.
Day 2: A long day in the rain to Seymour Hut, floating past Palmer Hut on the way.
Day 3: We skipped Goose Flat Hut and reached a true left campsite halfway between Chimney Creek and Muzzle Stream.
Day 4: Past the Jawbreaker Rapid (which we didn't paddle) and Snowgrass Hut to the Waterfall campsite, on the true right past Bobs Spur.
Day 5: Another long day, 50km+ and all the way to the coast!
Two days later, I walked from SH1 to the river mouth.
The team: Mark Hardman, Melanie Heather, Danilo Hegg

Clarence River trip map. 1 grid square = 10km. Left click on map then select "Sizes -> Original" in bottom right corner of screen to view full size.

Clarence River map. 1 grid square = 1km. Left click on map then select "Sizes -> Original" in bottom right corner of screen to view full size. This map shows hazards (in red), campsites and huts (green) - all information was kindly provided by Clarence River Rafting, who shuttled our vehicle from the start of the trip.

The Chute Marker Rock - a large boulder in the middle of the river, marking the approach to the first serious rapid. There is an underwater cave at the centre of this rock - not a good place to aim your boat at!